One-Pan Veggie and Quinoa Skillet

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-05 · Updated 2026-05-05

A vibrant, nutrient-packed quinoa skillet loaded with fresh vegetables, perfect for busy families embracing home cooking. This American-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs quinoa, vegetable broth, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
• 1 medium, diced zucchini
• 1 small, finely chopped yellow onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup crumbled (optional) feta cheese

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water and drain. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
2. Step 2: Add 1 diced medium red bell pepper and 1 diced medium zucchini to the skillet, cooking for 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Step 3: Stir in the rinsed quinoa, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is tender and liquid absorbed.
4. Step 4: Remove the lid and gently fold in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 2 cups fresh spinach. Cook uncovered for 3 minutes until spinach wilts.
5. Step 5: Off heat, drizzle 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and sprinkle 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese if using. Toss gently and serve warm.